In this news alert:

COLOMBIA – Government Extends Visa-Free Entry to Some Nationals of Cambodia and Myanmar; And Changes Entry Permit Category for Schengen Nationals

Effective 2 February 2016, the Colombian government has authorised certain nationals of Colombia and Myanmar to enter Colombia without a visa.

The Colombian government has also decided to issue Schengen nationals with PIP-5 entry and stay permits instead of the PIP-10 category introduced in November 2015.

Nationals of Cambodia and Myanmar

The new visa exemption is available to nationals of Cambodia and Myanmar who

hold a residence permit in a State of the Schengen area or in the United States; or

hold a Schengen visa type C or D, or a visa to the United States (other than in the Class C-1 transit category).

Qualifying nationals of these two countries arriving in Colombia will receive a temporary visitor permit (PIP) in the relevant category, depending on the activities to be undertaken in Colombia (PIP-1 to PIP-8). They will then be able to apply post arrival for a TP-4 temporary work visa or a TP-13 visa for urgent technical work.

Schengen Nationals

The PIP-10 entry permit, recently created for nationals of Schengen Area states, has been replaced by another category of entry permit: PIP-5, which used to be the entry permit given for those who travel for tourism to Colombia.

The PIP-5 for Schengen nationals will allow the same activities (short visits including tourism, business and journalism, sports, artistic performances and intra-corporate training) for an initial term of 90 days within 180 days and is also renewable.

The PIP-5 gives Schengen nationals exemption from VAT for any tourist activities carried out in Colombia.

Action Items

Anyone assisting a qualifying national of Cambodia or Myanmar to obtain work authorisation for Colombia should consider taking advantage of the post arrival processes.

Expect Schengen Area nationals arriving in Colombia to be issued a PIP-5 Entry and Stay Permit.